James Elmer Grayson Sr.

James Elmer Grayson, Sr., passed away peacefully in his Tempe home on February 25th, 2023, at the age of 93. In addition to his wife of over 70 years, Mary Adeline, he is survived by his three children, Debra Jones (Vicki), Donna Gertz (Dennis), and James Grayson, Jr. (Jeannine); four grandchildren, Jody Sant, Ryan Sant (Maggie), Michael Gertz (Maggie), and Albert Gertz; one great grandson; and one sister, Martha Howard of Soddy Daisy, TN.

He was born in Signal Mountain, TN, November 19, 1929, to James Anderson Grayson and Elizabeth Roberts Grayson. He was the fifth of six children joining siblings Louis Banks Grayson, Charles Albert Grayson, Violet Cecile Grayson (Pickett), Mildred Lucile Grayson (Miller). His sister Martha Elizabeth Grayson (Howard) was born after him.

Jim met his beloved wife in 1951 and began dating later that year. In the spring of 1952, the couple took Adeline’s parents to Signal Mountain, TN, where they announced their plans to be married and asked for her parents’ blessings. They were married at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Hixson, TN, on September 19, 1952. On their 40th anniversary they renewed their wedding vows at a ceremony held in front of family and friends at their Tempe home.

Jim’s father died when Jim was just 8 years old. Jim completed seventh grade before he had to start working on the family dairy farm. He eventually started working in the textile industry beginning with Kingsboro Silk Mills (1945-53) in Daisy, TN. He then took a job with Signal Knitting Mills (1953-63) in Chattanooga where he became a supervisor. In June 1963, the family moved from Tennessee to Tempe, Arizona, which has been described as the best decision they made as a married couple. Jim started working at Penn-Mor in Tempe, AZ, eventually being promoted to the managerial side as Maintenance Manager where he oversaw the maintenance of the machines used at the textile facility. He ultimately retired from Gerber (Penn-Mor) but not ready to stay home, he continued to work part-time for Earnhardt Ford working as a lot attendant and courtesy driver. While working part-time and later in full retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling, walking at Arizona Mills with his walking group, and getting together with family and friends to play dominoes. He participated in spiritual and social church activities and loved to speak with anyone who would listen.

A public memorial will be held on April 15th, 2023, starting at 2:00 PM at Citypoint Church, 1001 E Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ. Anyone with fond memories, stories, or keepsakes is invited to attend and share.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a favorite charity in Jim’s honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Grayson family.